I've been lurking on this board for a couple of weeks while I was deciding on whether or not that lap banding would be right for me.

You all have been so welcoming to others and I have found a plethora of knowledge so far from my reading of all the past and present posts.

A friend of mine who has lost almost 100 lbs from being banded last year and has been extremely helpful and directed me to this site for further research.

So... I decided to do this .... I go Wednesday to a Seminar in Birmingham where I will then directly after schedule my first appt with the surgeon. Since I am almost 4 hours from Birmingham, I decided to go with my GP here in town for my 6 month wt loss period per BCBS of Alabama.

Now... a little about me... I'm 40 years old... 5'2" and have a BMI of 38.8. I have been over weight for about 15 years.. .have tried WW a gazillion times, Jenny Craig twice.. Atkins... local diet doctor here ... Suddenly Slim and a million other things to only lose about 5-10 lbs and then only to gain it back within 6 months.

I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia this year as well as being an asthmatic for about 30 years. My cholesterol is a bit elevated but not where I have to take a statin. I have border line hypertension and have a history of family type 2 diabetes and I myself am hypoglycemic.

I spoke with BCBS of AL and the guy said that I should be approved provided I go through the 6 months and have all the documentation.

What do you all think? Do I have a chance at being approved?

:frown:

No replies?

No Welcomes?

:eek:

It's hard to say. Fibromyalgia is irritated by excessive weight. I know. Your story is mine. I am awaiting approval and probably will be because I also need knee replacement surgery on both knees. My BMI is 44. I don't have the knowledge, except what I've shared with you. Other's will jump in...give it time. Best Wishes and Welcome!!

I remembered some more info. There were five criteria for me to get referred to be approved. I had to have a BMI in the "obesity" range (duh!:thumbup:), had to have tried a weight loss program (I tried WW), had to have tried a weight loss drug (I tried phentermen...it made me anxious), have to have a medical condition (he used my knees), and psyc clearance. Hope this helps some more. Has your doctor talked to you about these things and has anyone else been told about these criteria?

Thank you so much for your replies. I just went to my seminar yesterday, and have an appointment with the surgeon on the 20th of this month.

I've done WW several time, Jenny Craig, Atkins, and weight loss drugs...which I hate taking.

What was extremely discouraging.. that at the seminar yesterday, I was the 'smallest' one there. One lady looked at me and said, "Why are you here? You don't need this."

Granted she was in the high side of the morbidly obese range, but according to the slide that the doctor went over my BMI is still in the severely obese range... maybe she thought I just 'hide' it well... hahaha

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome....glad you are here and we welcome you with open arms.....come on this journey with us. I don't think you will have any problems with getting approved......and it doesn't matter what anyone in the class said to you....if you are uncomfortable with yourself, and you have tried things in the past, your BMI is 38.8....you are considered morbidly obese....just like I was. I was the smallest one in there, but I was still wearing a 3X or Size 22-24.....It is absolutely the best thing I ever did for myself (getting the lapband). It has been 2 1/2 years since I got the band.....have maintained my weight for over 1 1/2 years.....I love my band and everything else that comes along with it! Good luck and keep us posted. Sorry we didn't respond right away.....again, Welcome!!

Lori

Lori... thank you so much for your encouragement.

I wear a 14/16.... and have for about 5 years... before that I maintained a 12 for about 10 years... every once in awhile I could get to a 10, but didn't see it for long.

I'm about to post my weight... I hate doing this... My hubby doesn't even know how much I weigh and he never will at this wt. I am 213, and I would love to be 120...... whew.... I hope no one reads this.. hahaha

Thanks again Lori

I have BCBS and was approved with fibromyalgia, arthritis, hypertension and sleep apnea. I am 5ft 2 and weighed 213. I had the surgery in January and now weigh 160. I am so glad that I did this. I now take no meds for any of my prior condidtions. The hardest part for me is exercise. I have four children that I play taxi to so I don't seem to find the time. I will say that it is not easy but I would do it again because I feel better and I look better. Oh, the best thing is wear size 8 clothes now when I use to wear 16 or 18. My BMI was 39.